William "Bill" H. Green

William “Bill” Henry Green

Atlanta, GA – Mr. William “Bill” Henry Green, 66, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 following a struggle with cancer. Family and friends take comfort in knowing that the gentleman artist is now taking delight in the finest studio of all. Mr. Green was born with a strong and unique sense of humor that entertained strangers and sustained friends for many decades.

Mr. Green was born to Walter and Viola Green and was raised with his brothers and sister in Georgia’s “Garden City” of Augusta. It was in this genteel environment where Mr. Green embraced his curiosity of the creative process, mastered his artistic skills, and learned to breathe beauty into his work and surroundings. Mr. Green showed an early interest in art which was nurtured by his father Walter, also a skilled artist and woodworker. Mr. Green distinguished himself as a graduate of Art Instruction of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and as a student at the Newberry Art Center in Newberry, South Carolina, and at Augusta College. His works span a broad range of mediums including oil, watercolor, gouache, acrylics, pen and ink, prints, and ceramics and was represented by The Atrium Gallery in Augusta and the Arthur James Gallery in Atlanta. His best known works are the design for commemorative Wedgewood plate marking Augusta’s 250th anniversary in 1986 and for a poster to promote Oglethorpe Park. He was a member of the Augusta Art Association, the Georgia Watercolor Society, and the Southern Watercolor Society. Mr. Green shared his considerable talents with numerous organizations. Local artist Mr. Jack Cheatham shared that Bill left a legacy of life within SRP. Mr. Green also worked closely within the textile industry with Riegel Textile Corporation, The Bibb Company, Associated Mills, Delta Apparel, Ameritex of New York, and Speigel of California. While in Augusta, he met his long-time companion Mr. Michael Mitchum with whom he would share his art, his wit, and his passion and genuine style. The Messrs Green and Mitchum moved to Duluth in 1995 where Mr. Green continued to serve as a consultant to the textile industry.

Mr. Green once said “Everything in my life seems to revolve around art. My emotional outlet is creating things for other people.” His creations of art, moments and memories will be long appreciated by those he touched.

Mr. Green is preceded in death by his parents Walter and Viola Green. He is survived by Mr. Michael Mitchum of Duluth, GA; his son, Chris and wife Monica Green; his granddaughters: Macayla and McKenzie Green; his brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and Delores Green, Dwain and Jean Green; David Green; and sister Kay and brother-in-law Thom Lord; his former spouse Eleanor Justice, all of Augusta, GA; an innumerable host of friends; and cats: Dreamsicle, TB, Marvin, Mickey Sue, Gracie, and Booboo.

A graveside service will be held Friday, July 1, 2011 at 12:00 noon at Hillcrest Memorial Park with Father Michael Lubinsky officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2607 Commons Blvd., Augusta, GA 30909.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com